EXAMPLE: IRWE vs. ISM
FACTS: Cecil Crane, who resides in a community residence, files for SSI in November 1991,
as a disabled individual (Cecil is ineligible for title II benefits). You learn that
the residence fees of $600 a month reflect $150 for attendant care services and $450
for room and board.
Cecil. Crane's sibling pays $200 a month to the residence, with none of the money
prescribed for any particular items. Cecil pays $400 a month from their monthly earnings
of $600.
CONSIDERATIONS: You consider following the SGA determination which computed the IRWE to be $150 since
all of the attendant care services reflect care associated with Cecil working.
You recognize that if $150 of Cecil's payment is considered an IRWE for SSI payment
purposes, only $250 remains to be attributed towards the room and board. Under this
apportionment of Cecil's $400 monthly payment, $200 of the room and board would be
paid by Cecil's sibling and Cecil would be receiving ISM valued at $200 subject to
the presumed maximum value ($155.66).
You compute Cecil's countable income to be $328.16 a month ($192.50 earned and $135.66
unearned).
In addition, you consider attributing Cecil's $400 payment towards the room and board,
and calculate the ISM to be $50 ($450-$400). Under this apportionment, you calculate
Cecil'scountable income to be $297.50 a month ($267.50 earned and $30 unearned).
DECISION: You attribute Cecil's payment towards the room and board rather than towards the attendant
care since it yields a higher SSI payment.